Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)

DATE=3/19/03

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE=BUSH / IRAQ / WAR (S)

NUMBER=2-300942

BYLINE= PAULA WOLFSON

DATELINE= WHITE HOUSE

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

INTRO: The U-S deadline for Saddam Hussein to leave Iraq has passed unheeded, with American-led coalition troops ready for action. V-O-A's Paula Wolfson reports the only question now is "when?"

TEXT: There was an ominous silence from the White House as the deadline passed.

President Bush issued the ultimatum Monday night, Washington time, giving the Iraqi leader and his sons 48 hours to go into exile. He said if they refused, military action would be launched.

The president did not specify when an invasion might occur, saying only that it would come at a time of his choosing.

As the deadline drew near, President Bush huddled at the White House with his top military advisors as U-S led coalition forces in Kuwait moved closer to the Iraqi border.

Mr. Bush is expected to address the American people once the order to invade is given either shortly before or after military action begins.

White House spokesman Ari Fleischer says the administration hopes for a short conflict. But at the same time he is warning the American people that it will not be free of sacrifice. (signed)

NEB/PW/MAR